Prior to the kickoff of the NPFL 2018/2019 season, one wouldn’t be wrong to think Akwa United will end up as champions, let alone make it to the playoffs. But it’s not been a roller coaster ride for the Uyo side so far. 

In three matches, they have only managed two points and this is far from the expectations of supporters back at home.

They have lost five points at home and played a draw at Kano during Matchday 3. 

Although with a postponed game, things do not look so bright for the two time Aiteo Cup champions who made several big signings during pre-season. 

One of those signings, Mfon Udoh who holds the record for the highest number of goal scored in a league has vowed to lift the team back to where it deserves to be. 

While speaking to busybuddiesng.com, the goal poacher who scored twice in the home draw with Plateau United expressed his discontentment with the day’s result but was quick to add that his personal target of 20 goals this season was less of a priority, as the team’s success is the topmost ambition.

“Well, from the expression on my face, you can see I’m not happy, it’s football, we worked hard, it’s very unfortunate that we were unable to get the day.

“Well as for my goal target, ( 20 goal this season), that does not really matter to me, what matters is the badge I’m defending, Akwa United is much more important than myself, and it has happened, it has happened, there’s nothing we’re gonna do about it, we’re still gonna forge ahead, and I still believe we still have a big chance.”

Mfon Udoh scored twice to give the lead in a match his side drew due to lack of concentration in the final seconds of the game. He praised the tactical suitability of the new formation introduced by Brazilian coach Rafael Everton, but rued the injury sustained by right-wing back Etboy Akpan as what changed the tactics of the game.

Mfon was assisted by Etboy in the first half to give Akwa the lead, but the youngster sustained an injury in the early stages of the second half and had to make way for skipper Ubong Friday. This meant that utility player Ndifreke Effiong would have to be deployed to the right full back position in a changed formation.

As a striker whose target is to score goals, it is expected of fans to criticise his decisions in the field of play especially whenever he fails to make a crucial pass instead of shot at goal. 

When asked how he deals with this criticisms, Mfon said, “Well, you might call it selfish anyways because you watch from outside. A person that watches from outside sees more of the things that happens on the field, I have few seconds to think so I think what is best at that particular time and I think I did what was best, I wasn’t being selfish.”

Mfon travels with his teammates to Lafia for a Matchday 5 fixture against Nasarawa United on Sunday. He will be looking to pile misery on a Nasarawa side that lost their last home fixture and also help the team up the log.